GIMNEPIWO wrote:In fast pitch discussions, Turbo brought up that ASA changed the OBS rules recently ... I am not doing ASA currently but don't recall any change in NFHS and do not see any change in the wording ... My older books are in storage and working out of the 2018 book.
I read the other thread, and to answer your question:
For USA and NFHS, the obstruction rule (which is exactly the same for both rule codes) has not changed in 2018. Relevant to the photos, obstruction is when a defensive player, without possession of the ball, hinders or impedes a runner. That's it. Period. Nothing more. Please note: the position of the fielder to any base or baseline is NOT part of the rule or necessary/sufficient for obstruction. With the only evidence being the two the photos, there is no obstruction per USA/NFHS rules.
I reiterate, the position of the fielder to the base (i.e. "blocking the base without the ball") is NOT part of the obstruction rule per USA/NFHS.
Now, NCAA is different, as the rule has changed for 2018-2019. The position of the fielder is part of the rule. There are other aspects, but that's a different thread.
Bottom line, two different rules.